Sedation with Dr. Zahedi

“…Because I understand what a terrifying experience a visit to the dentist
may be. Let me help”

Dr. Zahedi is one of only 3 dentist anesthesiologists in
all of British Columbia. He is a graduate Canada's only
Dental Anesthesiology program at the University of Toronto,
a three-year post-dentistry graduate degree in Ontario.
Prior to this, he also attained his Doctor of Dental Surgery
degree from the prestigious University of Toronto. His
undergraduate studies were focused on health and
kinesiology.

His anesthesiology training consisted of two years of
medical rotations in general medicine, emergency, internal
medicine, and medical anesthesiology at Toronto General
Hospital, Sunnybrook Hospital, as well as the Toronto East
General Hospital which provided him with valuable exposure
to complex medical and surgical cases. He also has acquired
intensive training in Pediatric anesthesia at the Hospital
for Sick Children in Toronto. In addition to his
hospital-based experience, the remainder of his training was
conducted at the Pediatric Surgericentre Clinic (PSC) at the
University of Toronto's Faculty of Dentistry providing
outpatient ambulatory anesthesia. The PSC clinic manages
hundreds of sleep dentistry patients each year, mostly
comprised of patients with autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy,
Down’s syndrome, and pre-cooperative young children.
Overall, the training at these facilities provided Dr.
Zahedi with an exceptionally well-rounded education in the
field of anesthesiology.

Dr. Zahedi is a faculty member at the University of
British Columbia, Faculty of Dentistry in the field of local
anesthesia and sedation. He is also an active member of the
Canadian Association of Dental Anesthesiologists, American
Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists, and the British
Columbia Dental Association.

In keeping with his graduate training, Dr. Zahedi has
tailored his practice to accommodate patients who are very
young, dentally anxious, medically compromised or
developmentally delayed.

Demand for dental anesthesia and sedation is higher than it ever has been, due in part to procedures and treatments that are becoming increasingly complex and prolonged. Although local anesthesia still provides adequate pain relief for many procedures, sedation and anesthesia offer benefits not experienced with traditional pain management techniques. Dental anesthesia grants comfort and relaxation, and it may also prevent long procedures from being broken up into multiple treatments. In turn, dentists are capable of reaching a much more diverse demographic of patients, including:

Patients with special mental or physical needs

Children who are young or otherwise incapable of cooperating

Patients who are fearful or anxious about their treatments

Patients undergoing complex treatment

Patients who are afraid of treatment due to previous failure of local anesthetic or due to an extensive gag reflux

In the past, these patients were resigned to a hospital operating room for anesthesia during dental treatment – a cost many could not afford. Today, dental anesthesiologists can bring safe sedation and general anesthesia straight to the dental office, bypassing the hospital altogether. Not only is this service more convenient to the patient, but it is also much more convenient to the dental care provider who does not have to transport equipment to and from the operating room. Furthermore, in-office sedation and anesthesia is much more affordable, making it more accessible for patients.

Dental anesthesiologists bring a unique perspective and skill to the dental office, having a background in both general dentistry and anesthesiology. A dentist anesthesiologist can foresee the need for deeper or reduced anesthesia at various points throughout the procedure. Patients can be roused when necessary, such as for taking a bite registration, and they can be relaxed into a more tranquil state during invasive procedures.

Attract More Patients with Dental Anesthesia

The ability to provide sedation or anesthesia in the comfort of a dental office is a convenience to the patient and a feature that more and more patients are looking for when choosing a dental health care provider. If you are interested in providing dental anesthesia to your patients in the British Columbia area, contact Dr. Zahedi at Port Coquitlam Dental Centre today.

If you are considering IV sedation or general anesthesia for your next dental treatment, chances are you have some lingering questions about what you should expect. We have done our best to answer the most frequently asked questions below, although we invite you to call or email our office if you have further concerns not addressed.

What are the benefits of IV sedation and general anesthesia?

Sedation and anesthesia are useful for a number of purposes. Specifically, complex procedures are shortened to a single appointment, as opposed to multiple procedures that are inconvenient and uncomfortable for the patient. Furthermore, sedation and anesthesia can help improve treatment efficacy in children and patients with special needs, and it can also help relieve worries among patients with previously negative dental experiences.

Is sedation or anesthesia necessary for all patients and procedures?

No. In fact, the majority of dental procedures are performed using local anesthetic for pain management. Also, some patients may exhibit certain health factors that prevent the safe administration of general anesthesia.

Is sedation and anesthesia safe?

Absolutely – for patients deemed healthy enough for anesthesia or sedation. You are in good hands with an experienced dental anesthesiologist with many years of training. All of your vital signs are carefully monitored for the duration of your treatment. However, you will be given a set of strict instructions for use prior to and following your procedure. Adhering to these rules is paramount to ensuring a safe sedation or anesthesia experience.

My child will be undergoing anesthesia. Is there anything I should know?

Yes. In addition to carefully following the pre-anesthetic instructions provided to you prior to your appointment, it is important that you explain to your child what he or she should expect on the day of the procedure. You will set the tone for your child’s experience, so be sure to appear level-headed and confident – not anxious or frightened. Also, help your child feel secure by allowing him or her to bring a favorite toy or stuffed animal to the appointment.

Can I speak with Dr. Zahedi?

Yes. Dr. Zahedi wants to be accessible to you and will be in contact with you prior to your procedure to ensure you properly understand the pre-anesthetic instructions. This is the time when you may ask questions and discuss your medical history and current health. In some cases, you may be asked to undergo certain tests to ensure that you are a good candidate for anesthesia.

What should I expect upon arriving for my procedure?

You may have paperwork to complete the day of your surgery. We ask that you arrive at least a half hour prior to your appointment. You will be asked about changes to your health since your pre-operative evaluation. So long as you are in good health and you followed all pre-operative instructions, the procedure will proceed as scheduled. You will not be allowed to operate a vehicle following your surgery, so you will need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment.

Is a breathing tube necessary for my procedure?

We are unable to determine whether you will need a breathing tube while under general anesthesia, as that decision is made on a patient-to-patient basis. In many cases, breathing tubes are not necessary, as dental anesthesia allows for the continuation of intermittent patient breathing.

What will happen after I wake up?

You will be released into the care of a responsible adult driver. You may have little or no memory of your experience and quite possibly will sleep much of the day. Rest is important when recovering from anesthesia, so try to arrange for assistance from a family member or other responsible adult for the first 24 hours after your surgery.

Anesthesia is safe, but it requires patients to adhere to very specific guidelines in the hours leading up to your dental procedure. If you are the parent of a child who will be undergoing dental anesthesia, your child’s safety depends on your enforcement of pre-treatment instructions. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office ahead of your or your child’s appointment. Also, if any aspect of your health changes between your pre-operative evaluation and treatment, be sure to let our staff know immediately.

No Food or Liquids for 8 Hours Prior to Treatment

Patients must stop eating and drinking no later than 8 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time, or by midnight the night before a procedure – whichever is earlier. Patients who will undergo anesthesia during an afternoon treatment may not eat the day of the treatment, but may sip small amounts of water 4 or more hours before the scheduled appointment time. Failure to follow this important step is very risky and could prove fatal.

Medications

Please take all normal medications as instructed by your physician unless you are told not to prior to your visit. This includes an antibiotics prescribed for use prior to your treatment. Taking medications with a sip of water is acceptable.

Attire

You are encouraged to dress for comfort for your procedure. Avoid wearing contact lenses and nail polish, as well as make-up, fragrances and lotions. Flat shoes and comfortable pants are recommended, and although we ask that you wear short sleeves, you are encouraged to bring a small blanket with you.

Smoking

You may not smoke in the 12 hours prior to your procedure.

Illegal Drugs

Illegal drugs combined with anesthesia can produce a lethal reaction. It is exceptionally unsafe to use all illegal drugs in the weeks leading up to your procedure.

Transportation

You must arrange for transportation to and from your procedure. Following any treatment that requires anesthesia, patients are forbidden from driving themselves home. Your driver should be prepared to remain at the dental office throughout your procedure and must check-in with office staff before your treatment. It is also advised that you avoid driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery for a full 24 hours following treatment.

After Your Treatment

It is very important that you follow all instructions for care after undergoing anesthesia. Arrange for someone to care for you or your child for the first 24 hours. During that time, it is recommended that you keep yourself hydrated with water or an electrolyte-replenishing beverage like Gatorade. Avoid alcohol, dairy products and spicy foods the first two days following treatment.

Post-Operative Complications

Although most patients undergo and recover from procedures involving anesthesia with no complications, we ask that you contact our office immediately if you or your child: